chum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a close friend; (verb) to bait water with fish remains to attract fish

   He met up with an old chum from his school days.

Simplified etymology

Chum meaning “friend” began in late-17th-century Oxford University slang as a term for a roommate, probably shortened from chamber-fellow. The American word chum for fish refuse used as bait appeared in the mid-19th century and has an unknown origin.

Late-17th-century university slang, probably a shortening of chamber-fellow ('roommate'). The fishing sense ('bait of fish parts') is of separate, uncertain origin.

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